I was pet sitting a lot, in addition to doing people massage. I was also volunteering for Horsefriends Large Animal Rescue in Santa Cruz where I was helping to care for abused and neglected donkeys. So basically, I found myself putting my hands on a lot of animals. Around this same time I was dealing with a bad flare up of carpal tunnel. The more I worked with animals the better my hands and arms felt.

How is pet massage different from people massage?

Working on animals creates an entirely different sense of time. Especially when I work on dogs, time seems to pass more quickly. Eventually animals go into this state where they are totally relaxed and they take me with them.

Some people just want to see their animals more relaxed and rejuvenated. We treat ourselves to massage, so why not our pets, right? Others are more concerned with addressing chronic conditions like arthritis, knee problems, hip dysplasia, and sore muscles and joints.

Moran works her magic.

How long does a session usually last?

It really depends on the animal. Dogs tend to sit still longer while cats have a mind of their own. I work on my own cat, who is 18, and I find that even 15 to 20 minutes of massage can make a big difference.

What’s your fee?

I charge $40 an hour, but I also work for shorter periods depending on the animal’s needs and attention span.

Do you make house calls?

Yes. I live in Santa Cruz but travel to see clients all over the Bay Area. I do the massage in the animal’s home with their owner in the same room. This way, the animal is much more likely to relax and settle into the massage faster.

Since you can’t really “ask” your clients, how do you know where and what to work on?

It’s a little like a treasure hunt. I start by getting as much information as I can from the pet’s owner. Then I rely on my creativity and intuition and the animal’s own body language. My hands just move instinctively to the places that need attention.

How do pets respond?

People say they notice that their animals are calmer and more agile. Overall, massage gives animals a better sense of their own bodies — they feel more grounded and less fearful. When I volunteer in shelters, massage helps skittish animals relax so they can focus on learning basic commands. And this ultimately helps make them more adoptable.

Check out Moran’s Dog Massage Clinic this Sunday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paradise Pet Salon (21501 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz). Email her for more information.